How do I place a chain dimension?

1. Choose Chain dimension in the list of the Annotate group (arrow under the dimension icon).
2. Click the zero point of the chain with snap (endpoint).
3. Click the second point with snap and position the dimension line as for a normal dimension — this first dimension fixes position and direction of the whole chain.
4. Click all further points one after the other, one click each. The order is free; the program orders the members along the axis.
5. Finish with Esc.

Switch running totals on or off#

The rotated numbers at the extension lines are the totals from the zero point. You switch them off or on in the Dimension Settings dialog with Chain: running total from zero point — for new chains; existing chains you change with Apply while their members are selected.

Insert a member or extend the chain#

Right-click a member → Insert chain dimension…, then click the point: inside a member it is split there, beyond the chain end the chain is extended to the point.

Move the whole chain#

In the Select tool drag any member at its dimension line — the whole chain follows. If a member is to move on its own, dissolve the chain with right-click → Dissolve dim. chain.

Baseline dimension instead of a chain#

If all dimensions are to start from the same base point and be staggered, choose Baseline dimension and proceed the same way: base point, second point with position click, then one click per further point.